Friday, November 21, 2008

From Dysfunction to Death

Here's another unremarkable (an oxymoron as I am remarking) set-up.

A young, thought-to-be in her teens or early 20s, Maori mother of five, left dead, probably at the hands of a young Maori male, arrested by Police yesterday in Tokoroa.

Without a shadow of a doubt another family created and maintained with your money. With less certainty, but not much, 5 more screwed up lives to ensue. 5 more motherless meal-tickets.

When is this madness going to end?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

As much as you and I would like it to end, it will never happen.

The history, although with different characters, will repeat itself countless times.

Regardless of race, or colour of skin, there will be always individuals you can only call savages.

Tania said...

You might want to take a further look at this, as no one has been charged and her death is not being treated as suspicious, sad really for the children without a mother, whatever the circumstances, and sad that you have assumed the worst.

Anonymous said...

Tania, I don't think the point Lyndsey was making is altered by the lack of charges.

Tania said...

Hi
Maybe your perceptions were different to mine. I get the point about the benefit dependency, i work in this community. But to say its madness from assuming the worst just isn't right. Most people reading the post would read - woman killed at hands of Maori male
Anonymous - please what is the point.

Lindsay Mitchell said...

Tania, The madness is the benefit system. Paying sometimes pathetically young women to have, and raise children. Putting no cap on how many. Continuing to pay the DPB if the woman can prove her live-in partner is abusing her and not supporting her emotionally. Making young women sitting ducks for scroungers and deadbeats by putting money in their bank accounts every week and housing them. You know there are men who only go with solo mums because they have money and homes?

You are over sensitive to the Maori aspect of the problem. Having said that Maori females are too often in this predicament. But it isn't just Maori. My comment was about lifestyle - not who killed who.

Anonymous said...

Tania, Lyndsay has clarified the point I believed she had made in the original post.
I agree with her view.

Tania said...

Thanks Lyndsay for your comments and clarification, totally agree with you about the benefit issues. I work with these women every day, I don't see the Social welfare system empowering/benefiting these women or their children. I am looking for ways to work with families to encourage them to be self sufficient, not dependent on benefits. I am trying to find positive solutions, not focusing on negativity and blame. Any suggestions would be welcome.

You did over exaggerate the way the woman died, as described in the news paper article. I think your first commenter perceived that as well. Which was the point I was making.

Lindsay Mitchell said...

Tania, My focus politically is trying to get change to benefit availability.

But on a practical level the best we can do as individuals is become friends of those who haven't had exposure to better ideas, ways of living, have never been praised or expected to do well, who mistakenly see themselves as somehow inferior or incapable. I use the word 'friends' instead of 'mentors' because in my experience the only real change comes when both parties want the relationship.

Something I've noticed is missing fathers are often talked about. But the females I have worked with actually missed having a real mum. One that loved them unconditionally and raised them with that security. Through whatever organisation, people need to give of their own time and ultimately of themselves. But I am sure you have already drawn that conclusion.

Tania said...

awesome, thank you